Audio Glossary

Common terms explained

A

Algorithm

Definition In the context of digital reverb, an algorithm is the mathematical formula or set of calculations that generates the reverb effect.

C

Convolution Reverb

Definition Convolution reverb is a type of reverb processor that uses recorded impulse responses to recreate the acoustic characteristics of real spaces.

D

Damping

Definition Damping controls how quickly certain frequencies decay within the reverb.

Decay Time

Definition Decay time (also called reverb time or RT60) is the time it takes for the reverb to decrease by 60 decibels after the source sound stops.

Diffusion

Definition Diffusion controls the density and smoothness of the reverb reflections.

E

Early Reflections

Definition Early reflections are the first set of discrete echoes that reach your ear after the direct sound.

I

Impulse Response (IR)

Definition An impulse response (IR) is a recording of how a space responds to a sudden burst of sound (an impulse).

M

Modulation (Reverb)

Definition In reverb processing, modulation refers to subtle variations applied to the reverb tail, typically through pitch shifting, time variation, or filtering.

P

Pre-Delay

Definition Pre-delay is the time gap between the original dry sound and the onset of the reverb.

R

RT60

Definition RT60 (Reverberation Time 60) is the standard measurement for how long it takes reverb to decay by 60 decibels after the source stops.

S

Send/Return

Definition Send/Return (also called Aux Send) is a routing method where audio is "sent" from a track to an auxiliary channel for processing, then "returned" to the mix.

W

Wet/Dry Mix

Definition The wet/dry mix controls the balance between the original (dry) signal and the processed (wet) reverb signal.